Premier Davis is in denial or worse ...

Premier Paul Davis wants to know what the problem is. He wants to know why people are not supporting his government.

I think these musings by our Premier are misleading and I don't believe him.

He has to know by now that the electorate of Newfoundland and Labrador want an election. They want an election before the spring. If he does not know this - he is unfit to be Premier. Why? Any person watching and listening to anything political in our province over the past few months who does not recognize the people want to vote - is in denial or in a cave without electronics.

I believe Paul Davis and the entire Tory caucus know that - therefore the problem is denial (if not something worse) - not knowledge. Why deny? Well power and benefits affect some people in a way that hanging on by the fingernails is almost an involuntary behavior. Unfortunately - many of them are politicians.

Here are the problems Premier Davis:

1. The people want an election and you won't call one,

2. People are extremely worried about Muskrat Falls and you appear not to care,

3. People do not trust their energy/power system anymore and you keep sending out Smiley Martin,

4. The price of oil and your budgetary guesstimates,

5. Rural population/employment decimation,

6. Giveaway policy for our natural resources,

7. Everything is under review, reassessment and analysis,

8. We have liabilities where the amount of those liabilities are not known,

9. You continue to spend like drunken sailors with no clue how we will pay for it,

10. Your caucus and Cabinet are arrogant,

11. Bill 29,

12. Lay-offs and then rehiring (don't know what you're doing)

13. You get rid of family violence prevention court but contract PC connected lawyers,

14. Debt, deficit, unemployment, population loss and aging,

15. Patronage,

16. Extreme partisanship,

17. Loss of manufacturing and processing industries,

18. Appointment of unelected Minister,

19. Your attack on small local business,

20. Your continued attempt to blame the people for not understanding the good you do - instead of wondering whether the people just don't like your policies and decisions.

21. Allowing the federal government to erode their presence in our province,

22. Burton Winters enquiry,

23. Focusing on the Avalon economy instead of the entire province,

24. Continuing to pillage Labrador without growing Labrador

25. Lack of transparency and accountability.

This is a short list - and I'm sure many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have more to add.

The only way to deal with this is call an election and put out your own platform - not just a continuation of the Williams platform. This also would demonstrate integrity instead of preservation of self (Party). Most importantly this would prove you are a man of your word - when you claimed - "I will listen to the people".

Charlene's finest hour?

Sometimes it takes the worst of times to reveal the character of a person.

Please take the time to watch the interview with former Finance Minister Charlene Johnson at the CBCNL website click here.

Charlene should have used the results last night as a time to reflect. She should have immediately respected the people's choice - but that did not happen.

As you watch the video clip note some of the commentary:

1. I am completely dumbfounded.

I am sure she is - that is because they were not listening to the people as they claimed they were. That is because the people of Newfoundland and Labrador did not see the progress the Tories claimed was happening.

2. There's mayors here in this room tonight cause this government did so much for these communities.

I am sure Charlene forgets or never did listen to people saying that mayors and councillors in many communities felt intimidated by the Tory stranglehold and feared that bucking this government in any way might hurt chances for a fire-truck or pavement. Johnson will not recognize the partisanship of her government. Fortunately mayors - councillors - and residents have a secret ballot.

and then this beauty


3. There’s mayors here can’t believe it that we did so much for them and this is what happens in return ... And I can say all of this now because I’m not a politician anymore.

We did so much for them? Excuse me what? Charlene was very fortunate to be chosen by the people and paid by the people for public service. The former Minister forgets - she and they were spending our money - our tax dollars. She nor they did anything for us. They did not create the wealth nor did the put the oil in the ground or control the markets. In return she was paid generously and has a pension from us - the people. Instead of being humbled by past election victories she says:

4. Councillors and mayors here can’t believe that this is how people voted for all we’ve done for their town – it says a lot. 

Yes Charlene it sure does - you were the government - using our money and our resources. What did you expect in return for that? You have a pension - you received wonderful pay-cheques - and benefits. Loyalty to what Charlene? Should the people have kissed your feet - or perhaps they should have curtsied or bowed. 

And then in response to a question of the discrepancy in what Charlene said was support at the doors versus what the vote count was the "retired" politician said 

5. I wish they would have told us that...

Johnson is upset that people withheld information from them. Imagine that! I suspect they invoked Bill 29 and decided to keep that proprietary knowledge to themselves. 

In final exasperation of the situation - she talks about visiting Beaumont Hamel and understanding that the voter is always right. 

Charlene's finest hour? or Charlene unscripted and sooky? 

But wait Charlene is going to give some thought to running again. You do that Charlene - thanks for the pavement and fire-trucks.

 

Kent reveals Tory problem

After seven by-election losses in a row - the Tories are on their way out. Many of them understand what the people are saying and are planning their retirements in one way or another.

What happened to the PC's?

Media and some pundits credit the loss of public support to Danny Williams departure. I don't accept that reasoning rather I credit the downfall to Danny Williams leadership style and policies.

In my opinion - Williams enjoyed being surrounded by weak people (those who would not dare defy him) and eliminating those who might. (Beth Marshall, Paul Shelley, Tom Osborne and Fabian Manning) Danny did not build a strong leadership pool nor did he take the time to consult or include grass-roots Tories. I believe it was after all - all about him.

Danny's policy choices - most importantly - Muskrat Falls - have not been embraced by the people. Williams pot of money for governing was huge - oil revenues galore and let's not forget the benefits of Voisey's. These were Liberal deals and timing made it his administrations money.

How he spent that money - on behalf of the people - did not equate into anything more than quick wealth on the Avalon and a wonderful market to build houses in.

We are in debt trouble, we are in deficit trouble, we are in demographic trouble, and we are in free fall. Highly doubtful that his Galway community is going to be the golden touch project he thought it might be.

People are very concerned about Muskrat Falls - the cost - the purpose - and most importantly the giveaway. Our resources should be used to grow our population - create long-term well paying jobs. It was Danny who was champion of this concept while in Opposition. Then how do we explain his fisheries, forestry, mining, and hydro policies? We can't because - once Premier - the giveaways were okay.

In what I refer to as Danny's decade - the province has not enjoyed growth in any real way. They all pump up the GDP - but who cares if that indicator is in isolation from other meaningful indicators such as population growth and age. Growth on the Avalon is attributed to shrinking in rural populations.

The former Premier got out before the crap hit the fan - but before he did - he groomed weak people to continue his path. His first was Kathy Dunderdale. The joy and pride of being Danny's chosen one was evident from day one. She would carry the Muskrat torch to the end - while he would carry on with his business interests - power to the Avalon and mining in Labrador.

His other political weaklings included Kennedy, Marshall, Kent, Johnson, Sullivan, Shea, and King (essentially the Cabinet base) were somehow of the belief somehow that they had a crack at the top job now.

When the day came however for a leadership race - they ran away - hid under Danny's coattails once again and allowed an "interim" Premier who did not want the job (supposedly) to actually win - uncontested. The beginning of the end.

As all political weaklings do - as party fortunes were changing - they pointed a finger at somebody else - not them - no not them. A bunch of children standing in front of a broken window.

Eventually their finger pointing and whispers caught on with an uninspired media and we were advised that Kathy Dunderdale had problems communicating the "really good" things they were doing.

As with gutless bullies in packs - they worked on Dunderdale until she left. There they sighed - all must be good now right?

Onward to a leadership election - while nice man Tom kept the Williams adoration embers burning. Minus their political guru Danny - the  guys and gals did not know which way was up - they did not know which way to go. We had speculation on a dozen or so within the PC caucus who were thinking about it. One by one they dropped off - as the collective wisdom determined they needed a fresh face - somebody from outside. So Wayne Bennett and Bill Barry stepped forward while Danny's Cabinet flourished being followers. Barry came out bold - aggressive - unpolished while Bennett annoyed the Party brass.

As might be expected when the weak did not know what to do - Danny stepped in and proclaimed Barry unfit for leadership and indirectly pushed for a fellow named Frank Coleman. As with all good sheep the caucus followed and proceeded to prepare for a Frank coronation despite the presence of a formidable opponent (Barry).

We heard excuse after excuse from former wannabe leaders within the sitting rank and file - ranging from "not my time" to "health" to "family priorities".

Meanwhile Barry was fighting a losing battle in a delegated convention wherein his commentary to the people of the province really did not matter if the Party brass was orchestrating a winner.

Many people asked why Coleman - a political neophyte - by reports private family and business man would throw himself under the bright lights of politics. This was quickly followed by awkward appearances of a man who appeared quite friendly but out of his comfort zone.

Barry following the condemnation by the great one and in true gritty business style - weighed his odds and determined the risk was unfitting the unlikely reward. Barry quit leaving Coleman as an unwilling political deer in headlights. What followed was not able to be scripted. Coleman became Premier in waiting - even starting to put together staff for his 8th floor domain. Then like an unpredicted failure of a detonation test - HVP - came to the fore. I think it's fair to say the Coleman will be remembered in Newfoundland and Labrador for performance bonds related to a paving contract not for almost becoming Premier. As quick as you could say "cheese" for a photograph - we had the sad picture of Coleman's back as he walked away from his indescribably short political stint.

Now what? Well the wannabes who all had excuses they wanted us to believe just a month or two before - shed those reasons and came flying back to the leadership race. Once again we had the speculation of who was running - who was supporting - who had a chance. In the end - and after another stint with the nice man - there was Ottenheimer, Davis, and Kent. The once held idea of a new fresh face was replaced with the need for experience. Ironically the same weaklings who just a month before were willing to accept a fellow who had never sought political office before were now questioning the option of Ottenheimer because he did not have a seat in the legislature.

When Steve Kent started his political climb - I remember a young man tenting on the corner of streets with a sign - asking the people of Mount Pearl to support him for Council. It must have been a real power rush - some years later - to find himself a political traffic cop on the corner directing leadership. Here he was - a new man - at the heart of political power in the province - a kingmaker. Kent relished it - played it up - played coy - loved the attention and could not believe he was actually in a position to broker his own political pinnacle.

Ottenheimer claimed the fix was in - Davis and Kent denied it and then in a joyous coming-out paraded it on the convention floor. Shortly thereafter he became Deputy Premier. Did this new power go to his head? Unfortunately yes - culminating in Tweets last night after his party's loss of two more by-elections. Here they are:

1. What's next? You're going to see bold, progressive leadership from @PaulDavisNL and the @PCPartyNL. We've got big plans for this province.

2. There was no honeymoon period for our new Premier. That's life. A lot can change over the next year. Things change fast in politics. #NLpoli

3.  Our Party still has a clear majority. We still plan to bring in a Throne Speech and a Budget. We will govern. We will lead.

4. The transformation in NL over the last decade has been nothing short of extraordinary. We're still the best party to govern. #PCNL #NLpoli

Unfortunately his words represent what IS wrong with the Tories. The real problem. He in essence has concluded the following: we don't care what the people think - we are right, we don't care what the people say we will lead anyway, we own the province and we are going to do what we want - what we think is best, and in spite of the people we are in power and plan to keep it that way.

Unfortunately the tweets also have a ring of desperation in them. That is because Kent believes that politics is a career rather than a period of public service. Career politicians are not helpful - not insightful - not life experienced - and not leaders. They expect a leader to perform for them - to ensure the longevity of the benefits both financial and social that politics and the people have provided.

Kent personifies the Tory problem - imagine if he is the only Tory seat left after the next general election. He does not like the prospect and it shows.

I believe the real strings of the Tory machine are well above Kent's power level. While he might be seen as a pliable one of those strings the puppeteers simply want to keep power for other more tangible business reasons. That's a sphere than Kent will never be allowed to enter - but he can certainly man the coat-check for those entering the real corridors of power.

Danny's Coatails for by-election?

The political future for PC's in Newfoundland and Labrador is pretty grim. Now there's subtle and not so subtle moves by the Tories that demonstrate how bad the situation is.

 Many of us were wondering why Tom Marshall - the fellow who did not want to stay around anymore - was taking so much time to leave. Timing in politics is everything - we often hear - and I guess this is a good example.

Make no mistake there are still some political strategists left in the diminished Tory house - and in my opinion - they made the call on Marshall's retirement.

Humber East is the one the PC's will throw everything at to hold and they appear to have dipped back into a familiar well. Tom Marshall announced his resignation Monday - November 3rd. Uncharacteristically - Premier Paul Davis announced the by-election for the district the same day. The government that usually takes its time (subject to legislation) in calling by-elections was swift in this case.

The Tories were definitely timing Marshall's departure and were ready when he did.

What happened next?

Well on November 12th with the by-election in full swing - the screening of "Danny" is at the Arts and Culture Centre in Corner Brook with an audience full of prospective voters.

The glorification of all that is "Danny" their former MHA and Premier was there - in the flesh - saying things like - “To come here tonight was like coming home”.

Better yet - an always fawning media willing to entertain a Q&A session with Williams - including political banter - and to "report" on his political comments. Here are a few excerpts from the Telegram

1.  While saying he is staying out of today’s political scene, in true Williams style, he offered his support to Larry Wells, the Conservative candidate trying to hold on to the Humber East seat in an upcoming by-election.“Hello Larry, wherever you are out there,” he said.

2. However, he said he’s not ready to concede a Conservative defeat. “They all, like me, have a genuine love for this wonderful place in which we live,” he said of party candidates and leaders.

3. “I’m a big believer that it doesn’t have to be fracked in order to find it,” he announced to the crowd. “I am not advocating fracking. If there is petroleum there that we can access normally, and I do believe it is there on the west coast.”

4. “To come here tonight was like coming home,” he said. “To put (the film) in front of them and say, ‘you have been a big part of this.’”

5. Danny Williams says he has no real regrets from his political tenure, but he admits he would have liked to have seen more things to ignite the economy on the west coast of the province.

Here are my questions:

1.  When was the booking made for the Corner Brook Arts and Culture Centre for the screening?

2. When did the Tories become aware of that date?

3. Was Tom Marshall's dragged out (despite the groaning) retirement - and by-election call - timed with the screening of the film during the campaign?

4. Did the PC's ask Danny Williams to do a bit of campaigning at the screening?

Outside of this observation - I note the careful footing around economic growth in the district during Danny's tenure. His on-again off-again "home" had to be gently almost with humility asked to believe in a PC resurrection.

What an insult to the people this was and is.

Another excerpt from the Telegram article:

He thanked the audience for that 2001 by-election win in Humber East, which he claimed launched his entire tenure.

Well - how nice - they launched his political career - so he went home and then did so again to launch his film.

Meanwhile the hospital - you know the hospital - yes that hospital - maybe changing hospital - need more design hospital - need to change the services hospital - is NOT built. On the bright side - they did get a Court House - what's it called again?  Oh yes - I remember - the Danny Williams building.

So thanks for what you've done for me - but by the way can you do one more thing? Elect another PC.

He asked the people in former Premier Dunderdale's riding of Virginia Waters to do it. Now he wants the good people of Humber East to do it.

Never forget though - all this could not have happened right? - Cause Williams believes when Premiers leave office they should stay out of it - shut their mouths - right?
 

Yes Judy Manning it IS personal!

It is very personal for Pat and Kim Dunphy. 

Empathy is a word that Judy Manning uses frequently. It rolls off the unelected Minister's tongue as easy as the words Good Morning.

Well the morning is anything but good for the people Ms. Manning left behind to catapult from relative public obscurity to a high-powered seat in the Paul Davis government.

I have received permission this morning to relate what happened to Pat Dunphy last night. Mr. Dunphy is the gentleman you may recall featured on a CBC story last week. Press HERE to see the story.

I was in contact with Pat and his wife Kim this morning after learning that Pat took a fall last night. In their words "he was on his way to bed, I (Kim) was already gone to bed. He (Pat) had to get out of wheelchair because house is not accessible. He was dragging himself to the room walking holding onto the walls and he collapsed onto the rail of his bed bounced and hit the wall and landed on the floor."

"I (Kim) could hear something crunch I had to lift him (Pat) from the floor to the bed and undress him for bed he went into a seizure after the fall... His spinal cord is over 50% cut - he can walk but the neurosurgeon does not advise it".

Pat went on to tell me that,  "...he (Pat) had a lamininectomy so he has no bones to protect the outside of his spinal cord - so if he hits that area he will die".

Pat and Kim describe his initial injuries this way:  "initial cervical spine injury, quadriplegia, disc protrusion, 50%compromise of spinal cord, cervical myelopathy,progressive myelopathy,

spinal stenosis"

Further they say, "he has had surgeries anterior cervical disectomy and fusion and spinal decompression,laminectomy and fusion". 

So this couple went through another horrific night and morning - something that has happened many times in the 20 years since his workplace injury. 

Ms. Manning did not complete this review as a Commissioner of the WHSCRD - as she left to take her place at the Davis Cabinet table. 

Empathy Ms. Manning? Really Ms. Manning? While you and your colleague Tony Cornect - Minister responsible for the WHSC - were looking for votes in CBS - Pat was still waiting. These are people who needed your decision to move forward. 

Ms. Manning must understand that she had responsibilities - and that these were life-altering responsibilities. The Minister should not have walked away from that until those duties were fulfilled.

If the unelected Minister does not consider this an abrogation of responsibilities - then I fail to see how Manning can assure the people she will not do the same as Attorney General or Minister of Justice. 

Election day is today in CBS - we should remember what Cornect and Manning were doing while Pat and Kim Dunphy suffered through another day. 

Manning - face and eyes into new job...

The unelected Minister - Judy Manning - is face and eyes into her new portfolio. See!

Out on the campaign trail drumming up votes for somebody else as she sits on her unelected throne.

Churning up the activity - on family violence court, WHSCC reviews, and generally preparing new legislation.

Seen here leafing through the voluminous material and briefing notes with her Cabinet colleague?

Pounding the pavement for justice and getting up to speed on her appointed Ministry?

Posing again above with Departmental literature? Enjoying a stroll while explaining to the good people of CBS why they should elect a PC MHA.

Why they must ask? Why not appoint somebody from the district right on into Cabinet and then hold a by-election. Hardly seems fair that Placentia - St. Mary's has 2 representatives. One donated by the Premier - the other elected but not in the mood to sit in Cabinet.

I suppose this could be be on-the-job political training.

Maybe Ms. Manning should have done as her uncle Fabs did. Run - don't get elected and get reappointed. Win - Win

The people of CBS must be at least a little annoyed that this person is being shoved in their faces in the middle of a democratic process.

The Open and Accountable Tory Times

We should have a new online paper called the "Tory Times".

Everyday the examples of secrecy, incompetence, and avoidance of elections should be headlined.

Today we should deal with falling oil prices. I predict the election will come before the budget - if the prices stay down. What will the PC's do with the financial mess we are in?

The Humber Valley Paving Contract remains a mystery as the "open and accountable" Davis government will not call a much needed inquiry into the mess. Labrador paving deadlines continue to fall to the wayside while the Minister believes everything is wonderful.

Minister Manning - continues to run away from the opportunity to be elected by the people - while John Crosbie continues to try and "con"vince us this is okay. Amazing the levels of entitlement some people feel and believe.

The Muskrat Falls fiasco hums along - while the failing CEO continues to collect a cheque - a very big cheque.

Whatever is going on at Ocean Pond?

How many lawsuits are we currently involved in and with whom?

Paul Davis says he IS listening to the people so he changed the changed name of the former Department of Justice. He apparently is NOT listening to the people who want an election.

Where is the contribution list for the Premier's leadership campaign?

What is going on with the roving transformer?

Let's keep an eye on the Tory Times which has an "unelected" "mandateless" Premier guiding an unelected Minister of some department - supposed to be similar to Justice - who is determined to run only when her hometown is available. That is to say Davis has a preferential candidate - who he is introducing as a Minister - prior to her election - in some pathetic effort to tell the people of Placentia - St. Mary's what to do.

Call an election Premier Davis and see if you can get a mandate of your own.